HVAC Pros: Safety, Van Layout & Training
20 posts across 5 communities in the last 30 days; 55% from r/hvacadvice.
“Anyone else find online hvac influencers kind of annoying? It’s usually some 20 something year old with 3-5 years field experience trying to “teach” you the trade in the most condescending manner possible, or it’s someone trying to build a business by “helping techs grow their…”
“Many of you commented on my thread about a possibly dodgy power venter installation. I have some more photos here. It’s about 69” off the ground right where I’d normally walk under it although it goes lower as it gets closer to the boiler. I don’t think there was much consensus…”
“Around 68 my back can't handle the temperature at 55 degrees. I would be in so much pain!”
HVAC technicians are discussing safety concerns (falls, corrosion), optimizing van layouts for efficiency, and navigating career paths within the trade. There's a focus on practical challenges and professional development.
SOURCES (60)
“In the Midwest here, got a couple overnights that will reach around 32 F temperature this weekend. It will be my first year being on call during the heating season. Curious what yall would reccomend for van stock for Universal parts whether be white Rodgers,…”
“We are about to get our AC replaced. I figured while I was doing it, we should have some of our ductwork and vent placement adjusted. So I went to Gemini to talk it through, but I don't want to just trust AI, so I'm here asking if Gemini is over thinking it. As an Example we have 2 bedrooms that sit side by side. They are both 11x10.5, but one is rotated 8 degrees. Both currently have the air supply on the same wall as the door. As you can see in the image, this is the corner of our hous”
“Anyone else find online hvac influencers kind of annoying? It’s usually some 20 something year old with 3-5 years field experience trying to “teach” you the trade in the most condescending manner possible, or it’s someone trying to build a business by “helping techs grow their career in hvac”. submitted by /u/Yung_Presby1646 [link] [comments]”
“Hello, I have been at the house for over a year, and I just noticed a damper leaver BEHIND the furnace. It's been in summer mode all last winter and both summers. I noticed no issues. Just wondering what this could be for? All my other furnaces never had this. It's a pretty big one directly above the furnace. submitted by /u/mitch121192 [link] [comments]”
“Many of you commented on my thread about a possibly dodgy power venter installation. I have some more photos here. It’s about 69” off the ground right where I’d normally walk under it although it goes lower as it gets closer to the boiler. I don’t think there was much consensus about this installation from a code perspective, so I’m hoping the extra photos might help. It’s still a civil issue in the sense that they installed this much lower than we agreed on, and they aren’t in much of a rush to”
“Recently got two quotes for each. They’re not really that far apart, but I’m not familiar with each company. I’m a noob in this field. Which one would you guys recommend? submitted by /u/notgknows94 [link] [comments]”
“For the HVAC techs here: What are the biggest pros and cons of residential vs. commercial HVAC? [link] [comments]”
“Just wondering how many of y'all rope up everything, if you're by yourself, or if your company and customers favor lifts submitted by /u/ACEmat [link] [comments]”
“i mean the spec sheet literally says install after the PRV, they're not being shy about it. 120's within the "won't explode right away" range but you're basically stress-testing the seals and plastic housing 24/7. if you're worried about a weak point, that's exactly what you're making. just stick a small prv before the flo and be done with it”
“Reddit/Hvac post Hi r/hvacadvice folks! Long term reader, love all the r/hvac channels, you folks rock, great feedback…. I’m struggling with the “Bermuda triangle”! Yep you guessed it, THE GARAGE!!! I have been reading all here on this topic, but some gaps remain for my full understanding and go forward plan. Here’s the scenario…. I have been making incremental IAQ improvements over the years, preplanning next steps, ERV placement? The garage sure looked like a great spot for access and connecti”
“(The “wood” logs next to the furnace are ceramic and non-flammable :) Hi all, we recently bought a condo with this relic gas furnace still going strong. No issues but I want to make sure it’s safe. I’m looking to hire a local tech for inspection/service and I’m curious what I should ask of the tech? Is it cool to ask for a CO analysis and images of exchanger cracks if there are any? Mainly I want to find an actual tech and not a sales rep. Happy to pay the standard hourly rate and not a $29 serv”
I have ran mine at 180°F (inadvertently) for a while with no ill effects.
“Pressure and BTU calcs are good. I work in the trades, just not this one... submitted by /u/AcanthaceaeGold9488 [link] [comments]”
“Around 68 my back can't handle the temperature at 55 degrees. I would be in so much pain!”
“I Recently just started my first HVAC job. Been mostly doing preventative maintenance on residential split units, roof top package units, and mini splits. I’ve ridden along with a few different techs, but they all have different routines and the training feels a bit disjointed. They schedule it an hour per unit. For experienced techs what is your standard PM? submitted by /u/Tkings2006 [link] [comments]”
“**Daikin FDMQ installers — couple questions…** Putting in a **Daikin 4MXLH with four FDMQ AHUs** in in my house in the up here in the Northeast. Got a couple questions for guys who have experience with these. **1. FDMQs in an unconditioned attic** Anyone ever install these FDMQs in an **unconditioned attic (hot humid + freezing)** I’m planning on insulating the AHU cabinets once everything is finished — basically wrapping/enclosing them with about **R-8 insulation**, while still keeping everythi”
“Making transitions on the fly is easily my favorite thing to do during summer season. Keeps me out of the attic , put some music on and try to get better every time and faster . This year i definitely improved so much with speed and quality , I got away from doing the 3:8 bend and screws to doing pitsburge seams and hems on every piece , everyone I meet in residential hates ductwork and most don’t even know how to make an end cap haha submitted by /u/Feisty-Violinist-700 [link]”
“Good morning, everyone. I came on here hoping to get some advice or guidance from people in the HVAC field. I’m 20 years old and started HVAC school when I was 19. The program took eight months to complete, but honestly, I feel like I didn’t learn much. I’m not sure whether it was the way the school taught or simply the way I learn, but I feel like I wasted my money. I’m still paying off the program and have about $3,000 left. I currently work at Ace Hardware, but I’ve been searching for an HVAC”
“Hey everyone! It’s been about ten years since I’ve done installs and these days I primarily work on chillers/boilers so my knowledge of residential equipment is long gone but was curious which brand would you put in your house? Or, what brand would you absolutely avoid? My father in law needs his system replaced so I’m obviously going to do the work to save him money. No bells and whistles- 80% furnace. Thank you very much! submitted by /u/Big_Focus6164 [link] [comments]”
“I am east of Patchogue and west of Westhampton. Looking for names of companies that anyone may have recently had install new systems on their homes and are happy with them. I look at companies near me and everyone has 5 star reviews on Google. Not believable to me. My home is 20 years old, 2 stories, approx 2700 living space, 3 zones, currently have 2 - 3 ton Goodman units. One unit has been having problems recently. Replaced the capacitor and hard start and it failed after a few days. 4 years a”
“I was told this is not hazardous and will not cause a fire. Truth in this? Mind you this has been going for at least a year and I happen to check this today. submitted by /u/CompMagic [link] [comments]”
“In so cal, is there a benefit to the DH7 Fit vs the DH6 at 4 ton? Is one quieter or more efficient? Seems the rebates are over now. What would be the price difference? submitted by /u/Neat-Two-4560 [link] [comments]”
“Can’t seem to find any smallest I found is James hardee at 5 nfa goal is 3.5 -4 for a continuous vent. I’m borderline just to start drilling holes in my soffit submitted by /u/NatureDear8169 [link] [comments]”
“Hello everyone, I am going to enroll in a HVAC program soon, and I am going to meet with the instructor to talk about the program. What questions should I ask him? submitted by /u/DemonVenereble [link] [comments]”
“Looking to replace my Carrier Weathermaker 8000 2 Ton Split Ac + Gas furnace. What brands are you guys seeing the least callbacks on? Best value? Just looking for a very standard split system and furnace setup. Swap out IDU/ODU, reconnect to existing ductwork, new line sets. Probably reuse the entire existing gas valve train and electrical hookup. submitted by /u/Secret_Key9676 [link] [comments]”
“What companies would you guys recommend for this? submitted by /u/Deeznaice [link] [comments]”
“You all are crazy helpful every time I post so thanks in advance. I try to get clear pics and make helpful diagrams to make your volunteerism effort minimal! New hose spigot on basement walkout wall (yes I'll drain it at winter). Have 1 hose that is low/sad flow so I want to prioritize flow but Teeing into existing 3/4" copper, add a draining valve and PEX adapter but it's so cluttered in this joist, should I still use it? Is there plumbing code saying only a certain number of pipes”
“First job as team lead was a full duct system and geothermal install. Pretty easy new build, hate doing fusion though. submitted by /u/bobblehittingOG [link] [comments]”
“Hey all, looking for some real-world advice from people in the trade. Background: I'm coming from the Navy, where I worked A/C and environmental control systems on EA-18G Growler aircraft. That system doesn't use refrigerant like HVAC does; it's an air cycle system, engine bleed air cooled and expanded through an air cycle machine to produce cold air. So I'm assuming my hands-on time is with mechanical/pneumatic troubleshooting, diagnostics, and component repair refrigeration its”
“It appears that the gas pipe is secured into a joist and the tank is secured to the pipe very close to the joist hanger so I don’t think it’s terribly dangerous but I wouldn’t leave it like this let alone pay someone for work done in this fashion. Tell you the truth, I’d be more concerned about the strapping not holding the expansion tank securely.”
“To anyone who reads this, I hope this request finds you in good health. I am a commercial stationary engineer and part of my job is preventative maintenance on various AHU’s, FCU’s, Natural vent units, basically units that can handle a lot of air and rack up a lot of dust. In the two weeks during this PM cycle I’ve used Dayton vacuums to vacuum these units, both have burnt out, looking for alternative options. I’m mainly looking for portability, as some mech rooms may not have many outlets and s”
“We have an older vented system with a mishmash of parts and CANNOT find the damper on two of the bedroom vents! (Pardon the horrible video in a very hot and small attic) It's a flexible duct coming off the main truck, then it splits into 3 fixed branches. The left and right are the ones that we can't find/care about. Yes we need to fix the insulation on the ducting, it'll be done when we're no longer sweltering in NY. If I have to pay a tech, I will, but any ideas until then ? &#”
“My tankless is outside. They are pretty common. I also live in the south and it only gets below freezing for a few nights in winter”
“What is the best setup for an air handler in regards Forced Draft and Induced Draft. I presently have a FD system. Left a ID system years ago and don't miss it at all. This system was a 2012 install, and was puzzled at first, why like? But it works fabulously. Have a filter route of 4 changed monthly, but looking around, I see no reason for ever needing a duct cleaning. With everything filtered prior to air handler, including the fan, its been an excellent setup. Back to the question, is it”
Thanks. And the risk is basically Carbon Monoxide buildup?
“We had an inspection report and the inspector didn't note this as a problem. But I saw some similar posts on here saying such a configuration is a death trap and carbon monoxide risk. Already reached out to inspector to ask about it We have carbon monoxide alarm installed near this Water heater is almost 4 years old Looking for more opinions”
“Currently thinking about joining an HVAC program and specializing in critical systems. Any advice before I fully dive into the program? submitted by /u/DonovanG007 [link] [comments]”
“Before & after downflow furnace in an apartment complex submitted by /u/Zestyzan-Law444 [link] [comments]”
“yeah especially since these things have a hose surrounded by random packaging and foam i don't think there is any real danger from single hose ACs. i mean shit dude my house is 2 stories and just uses stack effect, the chimney cap is a bunch of broken porcelain stacked, and theres no CO in the basement, no exhaust fans”
“Hello fellow heating professionals. I’m about to install 7 (waiting on one more) Rinnai I series 60k btu units. Not my first choice, but, the builder provided the units for me so I’ll work with what I’m given. Bonus Navien picture to show I can cram everything in a small space and still make it workable. Will be my first time installing their combination units and would like some feedback on what to expect. I will be maintaining all 7 for the foreseeable future and would like to know if there ar”
“This happened disconnecting the gauge from refrigerant tank submitted by /u/martianfutures [link] [comments]”
“I have 2 ton Trane heat pump with a Honeywell T-4 stat. Not looking to have the power company control it. Just want a better programmable stat. TIA submitted by /u/OldGrapefruit3744 [link] [comments]”
“Help a brother out, please. I'll try to keep this brief. - Cooling supply feeds from 2nd floor. Return on 5th. - this riser only has units from 3rd to 6th. - 3rd floor Cooling is good. - 4th floor Cooling is OK. - 5th and 6th don't seem to be Cooling at all. - All Air handlers(AHUs/ whatever your reigon calls the heat/cool units) seem to be working fine. Valves open, actuators working, fans blowing.. My guess is the balancing valve on 5th floor return line isn't letting enough water”
“HVAC means crawling around in fiberglass insulation in attics in the summertime. Shorts in there are a very bad idea.”
“Gonna just brain dump this since I keep typing the same replies in comments here. Grabbed my coffee, here we go. Your thermostat location is probably lying to you If your thermostat is on a wall near a kitchen, a window with direct sun, or right under a supply vent, it's reading the temp of that one spot, not your whole house. I've had people swear their AC "can't keep up" when really the thermostat is sitting in a hot spot and shutting the system off way too early everywhe”
“Hey! They look a little congested, should I remove the entrance reducer? It’s hot AF here in Denver. submitted by /u/Kind_Limit1303 [link] [comments]”
“Anybody know any good places to look for work in Houston? Or any apprenticeships Only have an EPA II, no experience. submitted by /u/Oz988 [link] [comments]”
“How long should it take a resi / light commercial hvac tech to transition over to commercial refrigeration and be competent. As competent as they are in hvac? 4 months too hopeful ? submitted by /u/whatever_59 [link] [comments]”
“I've inherited a new build after the last HVAC contractor couldn't start it in time. Job is a heat pump system, infloor heat, and full ductwork in a new build. I've finished the ductwork and heat pump install but I'm a little unsure on controls for the infloor and snow melt. New build spec'd a generic heat pump ( I did Amana S-Series) and a Navien NCB combi which I changed to an NFC because the previous contractor didn't factor in a snow melt for a small walkway I sent th”
“Not active wear but. We use the 7-inch misting fans from Lowe's that sit on top of 5-gallon buckets. I have the Craftman's because I have tons of Craftman's batteries. I am sure the other brands work fine. You don't need to keep the mist on. We mist as needed. Each battery lasts around 2-hours with the fan at low. On low they move a lot of air and mist works great. Sorry, A/C is basically useless when cooking in a food truck when temps are over 100F and moving regular air is like”
“I installed a magic mesh screen on one of my doors (the one that auto closes behind you). That dropped the inside of my trailer to only about 110° in the hottest area and the rest of the trailer is in the high 90s on the hottest days. I use a Lasko fan, the short one that has the horizontal air out. It has helped tremendously also. I also got cooling head gel packs that I keep in the freezer then put them in my hat along with neck wraps that I keep in the freezer to cool me off. I also let peopl”